Colombia reaches the knockout stage following a tense victory.
Colombia booked their place in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by edging past DR Congo 1-0 in Guadalajara.Daniel Muñoz broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, finally beating DR Congo's sensational goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.This crucial victory puts the South American squad at the top of Group K. Football enthusiasts across Odisha, who regularly fill the Kalinga Stadium for top-tier matches, followed this Colombia vs DR Congo late-night thriller with great excitement.
Mpasi Shines despite Defeat
DR Congo defended with great discipline throughout the entire match.Mpasi delivered heroic saves consistently, denying several clear chances from star attackers like James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz.The Leopards relied heavily on quick counterattacks, but they failed to find the back of the net.Muñoz eventually found critical space inside the penalty box.He finished cleanly, ensuring his team secured the necessary three points.
Securing these points gives Colombia immense confidence before facing Portugal in their upcoming fixture. DR Congo must secure a positive result in their final group match to keep their tournament hopes alive. Both squads fought incredibly hard, providing an excellent display of competitive international football for fans watching around the globe, proving the magic of this global tournament.
Image Courtesy: ANI
